1C with 1D relay instead of T-Walsh

[BRBanger]

I don't know for sure, because at the table they always seem to have the balanced option, but my guess is the same as Zelandakh's.

 

It's true that they are not guaranteed to have an 8-card fit after 1♣-1♦-1♥-1♠-2M, but they are quite likely to do so and the limited nature of the bids means that sometimes Responder can just pass 2M and play in a 4-3 fit. Moreover, some of these hands are no so easy for standard systems anyway. If Opener has a 1435 17-count and Responder a 4342 6-count, standard strong NT Walsh bidders start 1♣-1♠-2♥-?? Meanwhile if Opener if in the 15-16 range and Responder is 9-10, their methods may help to reach some games missed by standard bidders.

 

Note that after 1♣-1♦-1♥-1♠-2♦, which I'm assuming shows both minors, they will always have an 8-card fit.

 

Ok, I can see that being able to show 4M and 5c in a 15-18 range(i.e. non-forcing but encouraging) has some benefits to help solve typical problems we may get with standard systems. And if the hands with 6+diamonds are removed, it's very likely that responder has either 3 cards in the M, or 3+c (although my partners usually have 2-4-5-2 shape!).

 

In principle, though, it's good to see more varied use of the 1C-1D (relay) - 1H sequence (and similarly the 1C-1R-1M sequences for T-Walsh players), taking more advantage of the "free" rebid. I suppose you take your choice as to whether to add some complexity in this interesting area, rather than use 1C-1R-1M to show 3 card support, or just to show a weak NT type.

 

Another thought, if we take the G-F system where 1C-1M shows 5 (and 2M responses are used to show weakish hands with both M's): If RHO enters the bidding, how best to play double by opener? We don't need a support double / redouble (to show 3 card support). Anyone for penalty doubles with the 17-19 balanced type? Responder can always go back to 2M to play opposite opener's doubleton. Or do we now have to commit to a 2NT rebid...if the re-opening double is for take-out? e.g. 1C-(p)-1S-(2H)-x / 2NT.